Political Activities
National Conference (NC) Prepares for Assembly Elections: Omar Abdullah expressed excitement about the upcoming assembly elections, noting that holding elections in three phases would be a new experience since the 1987 polls.
Massive Transfers of Officials: Omar Abdullah stated that the National Conference will write to the Election Commission regarding significant transfers of officials by the Lieutenant Governor’s administration ahead of the elections .
PDP Criticism of Election Timing: The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) criticized the timing of the elections, stating that it should have been held earlier and adding that Jammu and Kashmir has been reduced to a mere municipality under the current setup.
Congress Welcomes Election Announcement: Congress Vice President GN Monga welcomed the move, noting the importance of holding elections transparently and fairly after a decade without a government.
CPIM Encourages Voter Confidence: CPIM leader M.Y. Tarigami stated that the announcement of the elections had boosted voter confidence in the democratic process, despite the long delay.
Apni Party Seeks People’s Government: Apni Party leader Altaf Bukhari expressed hope that the elections would lead to the formation of a people’s government by early October.
Security Concerns for Candidates: Several political parties, including Congress and PDP, have requested enhanced security for candidates during the election process due to concerns over safety.
PDP’s Demand for Statehood: PDP has called for the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, arguing that holding elections without this restoration undermines the democratic process.
National Conference Leader Farooq Abdullah Confirms Participation: Farooq Abdullah announced that he would contest in the upcoming elections but would step down when statehood is restored.
Three-Phase Election Plan: The Election Commission announced that elections will take place in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, with vote counting on October 4.
Law & Order
Twin Operations in Kulgam District (August 18, 2024): Six terrorists were killed in two separate gunfights in the Kulgam district. Security forces launched the operations after receiving intelligence about the presence of militants.
Counter-Terror Operations in South Kashmir (August 18, 2024): Security forces intensified operations in response to militant activities in South Kashmir, particularly targeting areas around Kulgam and Anantnag.
Terror Incident in Rajouri District (August 18, 2024): A terror-related incident occurred in Rajouri where security forces conducted a search operation after reports of militant movement. No casualties were reported.
Drug Trafficking Arrests (August 18, 2024): Jammu and Kashmir police arrested 4,536 people involved in the illegal narcotic trade since 2023, with multiple arrests happening on August 18 as part of an ongoing crackdown.
Security Meeting in Kathua District (August 18, 2024): High-level security meetings were held in Kathua to review anti-terror measures as part of preparations for the upcoming elections. New superintendents of police were appointed to key districts.
Militant Attack Prevented in Udhampur (August 18, 2024): Security forces in Udhampur foiled a militant attack, apprehending two suspects who were planning an attack on a security convoy.
Security Forces Engaged in Reasi District (August 18, 2024): A massive search operation was launched in Reasi following reports of suspected militants in the area. Several locations were raided as part of anti-terror efforts.
Poonch District Operations (August 18, 2024): In Poonch, security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in the early hours of August 18 following intelligence of militant presence.
Weapons Seized in Kupwara (August 18, 2024): In a significant recovery, security forces in Kupwara district seized a large cache of weapons, including rifles and explosives, from a suspected militant hideout.
Heightened Security in Jammu Region (August 18, 2024): Additional forces were deployed in Jammu in response to heightened threats of terror attacks as the region prepared for the upcoming assembly elections.
Compiled by- TA & GA Teams @ Kawach
